PARTIES ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Tarique vows to take handloom products global

FE Team | Published: January 31, 2026 23:20:50

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to take Bangladesh's handloom products to global markets, saying his party would launch export initiatives for the sector if it forms the government, reports bdnews24.com.
Speaking at an election rally at the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Industrial Park in Sirajganj on Saturday afternoon, Tarique said Sirajganj and Pabna naturally come to mind when people think of handloom fabrics, lungis and colours, as a large number of residents in the region are directly involved in the industry.
"We talk about handloom, we talk about lungis, we talk about colours-and immediately Sirajganj and Pabna come before our eyes. Many people in this area are involved in the handloom industry," he said.
"If we can undertake proper plans for this handloom industry, then, God willing, we will be able to spread the products made here across the globe," he said.
"Going forward, that is what we want to do-we want to export handloom products produced in Sirajganj and Pabna to the entire world," Tarique added.
He said he could have criticised political rivals during the rally, which would have drawn applause, but questioned whether that would benefit people.
"Bangladeshis now want to know which political party has what plans for the country and its people, so the nation can move forward," he said.
Referring to recent political change, he said: "We have protested, we have struggled, our leaders, activists and the people of Bangladesh have sacrificed their lives, and autocracy has fallen.
"Now we must build the country-everyone must work together."
He also promised to establish new industrial parks across Sirajganj, Pabna and nationwide to tackle unemployment, set up agriculture-based industries in the region, and establish vocational institutes.
The rally began at 3pm with Quran recitation. Tarique arrived in Sirajganj by road from Bogura around 3:30pm.
BNP chief Tarique Rahman has urged people to prove through the ballots that the unity of patriots is "unwavering".
He made the comment while attending a roadside meeting on the third day of his campaign tour of the northern region on Saturday.
He was on his way to Sirajganj from Bogura. He stopped his motorcade at the Majhira Bandar in Shajahanpur of Bogura. He was campaigning on behalf of the BNP candidate from Bogura-7, which covers Shajhanpur and Gabtoli Upazilas.
Calling the unity of the people as the main source of BNP's strength, Tarique said: "On the 12th of February, we must demonstrate through the vote that the patriotic force is unwavering. To face any conspiracies, our leaders and activists must forge strong and unbreakable unity."
Before departing from Shajahanpur to Sirajganj, Tarique exchanged greetings with local leaders and activists.
As he made his way to Sirajganj in his motorcade, supporters lining both sides of the road greeted him with applause and chants.